Alexandra Alden and her song ‘Magnolia’ have been disqualified from the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025 after PBS recieved information that the song had been published prior to the end of November.
According to the broadcaster, “following a thorough investigation and verification of the facts, PBS has taken the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the competition rules.” The regulation in dispute states that lyrics and music of the songs must not have been released before November 30. According to the rules, in instances of songs being made available before the given date, including on social media, artists should inform PBS for the broadcaster to make a decision on their eligibility, the rules say.
In a statement later today, the former X Factor Malta judge said she was disheartened by the decision and played down the incident as an acoustic prototype version of the song filmed long ago. Alex Alden had asked for the video to be removed, aware that it could affect her submission to the competition.
“I informed PBS of what had taken place to be transparent and professional. It was already too late. I perform often and trying out works in progress of songs in a low-key, informal setting helps the creative process”, she said. “I understand and respect the decision taken by PBS to avoid any potential friction with the Eurovision organisers and I wish the contestants so much luck”, said Alden.
Alexandra Alden is a Maltese artist based in The Netherlands. She came to prominence most recently as an X-Factor judge in 2019 and 2020. Although she was the very controversial on the show and often got booed due to her honest and unbiased commentary, her stint made her incredibly well-known among the Maltese fans.
2025 was to mark her debut at MESC, a contest that in the past she did not consider competing in. Although the release of the song would not have given her any competitive advantages, PBS still decided that this decision was fair. It is not known whether ‘Magnolia’ will be replaced or not.
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